She emerges from the computer like a digital genie, ready to initiate a family in the ways of the Internet.

But Connie, the face of AOL, has been rebuffed by the folk at advertising magazine Campaign. They hurtfully described her as "the most irritating star of any ad on TV".

But Rachel Willis, the York woman behind Connie, should ignore the remarks. When the braces-wearing, snakeoil salesman of advertising condemn someone as irritating, the words pot and kettle spring to mind. Connie is a huge success for AOL. So Rachel is laughing all the way to the Internet bank.